SINGAPORE: Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Eras Tour has sparked a frenzy among her devoted fans in Southeast Asia, as millions compete for a limited number of tickets to her only stop in the region. With six shows scheduled in Singapore in March 2024, Swift’s Asian fanbase, known as “Swifties,” has gone to extraordinary lengths to secure their seats for the pop star’s first post-pandemic concert outing.
Offline, long queues have formed outside Singapore post offices, where fans have flocked to purchase tickets. Determined fans, like Joan Ng and her group of 15-year-old friends, camped out overnight at a Singapore mall’s post office, armed with their parents’ credit cards and the determination to see their idol. They took turns napping at a nearby popular hot pot chain, Haidilao, to endure the wait. Levincia Ong, who considers Swift’s Fearless album as the soundtrack to her life, expressed the importance of getting tickets after putting in significant effort to be there.
Fierce Competition for a Chance to See Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
The online ticket sale was equally intense, with a competitive pre-sale exclusive to United Overseas Bank (UOB) cardholders. Over a million fans joined the virtual queue, resulting in a surge in credit and debit card applications in the weeks leading up to the pre-sale. Swifties shared strategies and tips on platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Twitter, including logging on early and using multiple devices to increase their chances. However, for many, the wait ended in disappointment, like Endro from Jakarta, who was assigned a dispiriting queue number of 493,901.
Got to play shows for some of the most generous crowds this weekend in Minneapolis ☺️☺️☺️ Loved every second of it. Thanks to everyone there. And now we’re soo close to Speak Now (my version!) Only 1️⃣2️⃣ days left! See you next weekend Cincinnati! pic.twitter.com/anTCHla9wD
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 25, 2023
Despite the challenges, some lucky fans managed to secure their tickets. Agniya Kh, a 29-year-old from Jakarta, successfully navigated the pre-sale queues and is elated to finally have the opportunity to see Swift perform live. Wincy Reyes from Quezon City, Philippines, who had a backup plan of attending Swift’s Sydney show, was ecstatic when he secured tickets while on a work trip to Australia.
However, the absence of a China tour stop has left millions of Chinese fans heartbroken. Swift, who has performed in China three times before, has not included the country in her Eras Tour. On Weibo, China’s popular social media platform, fans expressed their disappointment and called for additional shows in China.
The Eras Tour is set to be a monumental event for Swifties across the globe, showcasing the culmination of Taylor Swift’s 17-year career. As the concert dates approach, fans continue to explore every avenue to secure their tickets, from monitoring plane ticket prices to planning impromptu trips in case they are unable to obtain tickets through the general sale. Swift’s dedicated fan base in Southeast Asia remains determined to experience the magic of her live performances, demonstrating unwavering devotion and commitment.
